Thyroid Medications: Pharmacology for Nurses

Question 1

Which of the following synthetic thyroid replacement drugs is most commonly prescribed?

Accepted Answer

Levothyroxine sodium

Answer

Tirotropin

Answer

Liothyronine sodium

Answer

Thyroid-stimulating hormone

Question 2

Which adverse effect is associated with methimazole use?

Accepted Answer

Agranulocytosis

Answer

Hyperthyroidism

Answer

Hypothyroidism

Answer

Euthyroid state

Question 3

Identify the thyroid disorder characterized by excessive thyroid hormone production.

Accepted Answer

Hyperthyroidism

Answer

Euthyroidism

Answer

Hypothyroidism

Answer

Subclinical hypothyroidism

Question 4

Which laboratory test measures thyroid hormone levels?

Accepted Answer

Thyroid function tests

Answer

Complete blood count

Answer

Lipid panel

Answer

Electrocardiogram

Question 5

Identify a potential complication of administering radioactive iodine therapy for hyperthyroidism.

Accepted Answer

Hypothyroidism

Answer

Hyperthyroidism

Answer

Euthyroidism

Answer

Thyroid storm

Question 6

Which pituitary hormone stimulates thyroid hormone production?

Accepted Answer

Thyroid-stimulating hormone

Answer

Antidiuretic hormone

Answer

Growth hormone

Answer

Follicle-stimulating hormone

Question 7

Which characteristic distinguishes Hashimoto's thyroiditis?

Accepted Answer

The presence of thyroid autoantibodies

Answer

Normal thyroid function tests

Answer

Increased radioactive iodine uptake

Answer

Hyperthyroidism

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the primary mechanism of action of thyroid hormones?

Accepted Answer

Stimulation of protein synthesis

Answer

Inhibition of sodium-potassium ATPase

Answer

Increase in calcium absorption

Answer

Decrease in heart rate

Question 9

Levothyroxine is primarily used to treat:

Accepted Answer

Hypothyroidism

Answer

Hyperthyroidism

Answer

Thyroid cancer

Answer

Graves' disease

Question 10

Which medication is used to inhibit thyroid hormone synthesis?

Accepted Answer

Propylthiouracil

Answer

Levothyroxine

Answer

Lugol's solution

Answer

Radioactive iodine

Question 11

The primary therapeutic goal of radioactive iodine therapy for hyperthyroidism is to:

Accepted Answer

Destroy thyroid tissue and reduce hormone production

Answer

Stimulate thyroid hormone production

Answer

Prevent the development of thyroid cancer

Answer

Relieve symptoms of thyrotoxicosis

Question 12

The most common cause of hypothyroidism is:

Accepted Answer

Hashimoto's thyroiditis

Answer

Graves' disease

Answer

Thyroid cancer

Answer

Thyroid surgery

Question 13

Which of the following accurately describes the primary mechanism of action of levothyroxine in the treatment of hypothyroidism?

Accepted Answer

Replaces the deficient thyroid hormone

Answer

Blocks the release of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)

Answer

Prevents the conversion of T4 to T3 in the liver

Answer

Stimulates the production of thyroid hormone

Question 14

In Graves' disease, what is the primary objective of drug therapy?

Accepted Answer

Suppress thyroid hormone production

Answer

Reduce the size of the thyroid gland

Answer

Prevent the development of thyroid cancer

Answer

Stimulate the production of thyroid hormone

Question 15

After a patient receives radioactive iodine therapy for hyperthyroidism, which discharge instruction is of utmost importance?

Accepted Answer

Limit contact with pregnant women and young children

Answer

Adhere to a diet low in iodine

Answer

Increase fluid intake

Answer

Take prescribed medications as directed

Question 16

Radioactive iodine therapy for hyperthyroidism is contraindicated in which of the following situations?

Accepted Answer

Pregnancy

Answer

Presence of heart disease

Answer

History of thyroid cancer

Answer

Impaired renal function

Question 17

Which medication can interact with levothyroxine, decreasing its absorption in the digestive system?

Accepted Answer

Calcium

Answer

Metformin

Answer

Metoprolol

Answer

Warfarin

Question 18

When teaching a patient about levothyroxine for hypothyroidism, what's the most important instruction to emphasize?

Accepted Answer

Avoid taking calcium or iron supplements within four hours of taking levothyroxine.

Answer

Take the medication with meals to help it absorb better.

Question 19

When evaluating a child suspected of having hypothyroidism, which parameter is most critical to monitor?

Accepted Answer

Growth parameters

Answer

Heart rate

Answer

Bowel function

Answer

Muscle strength

Question 20

How do physiological changes during pregnancy impact thyroid function and management?

Accepted Answer

Thyroid hormone levels increase, potentially necessitating dosage adjustments in replacement therapy.

Answer

Thyroid hormone levels decrease, requiring reduced replacement therapy.

Answer

Thyroid hormone levels increase, maintaining unchanged management protocols.

Answer

Thyroid hormone levels decrease, necessitating increased replacement therapy.

Question 21

Identify the potential long-term adverse effects of prolonged antithyroid medication use and describe strategies to minimize these risks.

Accepted Answer

Hepatotoxicity and agranulocytosis; Regular monitoring of liver function and blood counts is crucial for early detection and intervention.

Answer

Thyroid cancer and infertility; Extended use should be avoided, especially in younger individuals.

Answer

Myxedema coma and hypoglycemia; Levothyroxine should be administered as prescribed to prevent these complications.

Answer

Hyperthyroidism and goiter; Radioactive iodine therapy may be considered as an alternative treatment option.

Question 22

Which synthetic thyroid hormone is used to treat hypothyroidism?

Accepted Answer

Levothyroxine sodium

Answer

Propylthiouracil

Answer

Methimazole

Question 23

Which of the following medications is a synthetic thyroid hormone used to treat hypothyroidism?

Accepted Answer

Levothyroxine

Answer

Propylthiouracil (an antithyroid drug)

Answer

Potassium iodide (used to treat hyperthyroidism)

Answer

Methimazole (an antithyroid drug)

Question 24

What is the primary mechanism of action of propylthiouracil?

Accepted Answer

Inhibits the synthesis of thyroid hormones

Answer

Stimulates the release of thyroid hormones

Answer

Blocks the uptake of iodine into the thyroid gland

Question 25

Which of the symptoms listed below is most commonly associated with hyperthyroidism?

Accepted Answer

Weight loss

Answer

Bradycardia (more common in hypothyroidism)

Answer

Constipation (not typically associated with thyroid disorders)

Answer

Fatigue (more common in hypothyroidism)

Question 26

What is a potential adverse effect of thyroid hormone replacement therapy?

Accepted Answer

Osteoporosis

Answer

Seizures (not a typical adverse effect of thyroid hormone therapy)

Answer

Hypoglycemia (not a typical adverse effect of thyroid hormone therapy)

Answer

Hypertension (not a typical adverse effect of thyroid hormone therapy)

Question 27

Which of the nursing interventions listed below is particularly important when administering propylthiouracil?

Accepted Answer

Monitor for signs of agranulocytosis

Answer

Administer on an empty stomach (not specific to propylthiouracil)

Answer

Encourage increased fluid intake (not specific to propylthiouracil)

Answer

Avoid sunlight exposure (not specific to propylthiouracil)

Question 28

Which of the following is a natural source of iodine?

Accepted Answer

Seafood

Answer

Leafy green vegetables (not a significant source of iodine)

Answer

Red meat (not a significant source of iodine)

Answer

Dairy products (not a significant source of iodine)

Question 29

What is the role of TSH in the endocrine regulation of thyroid hormone production?

Accepted Answer

Stimulates the thyroid gland to release thyroid hormones

Answer

Inhibits the thyroid gland from releasing thyroid hormones

Answer

Converts T4 to T3 (performed by deiodinases)

Question 30

Which of the following symptoms is indicative of myxedema coma?

Accepted Answer

Hypothermia

Answer

Tachycardia (not typically seen in myxedema coma)

Answer

Agitation (not typically seen in myxedema coma)

Answer

Hypertension (not typically seen in myxedema coma)

Question 31

What is a priority nursing intervention for patients with Graves' disease?

Accepted Answer

Monitor for ophthalmopathy

Answer

Restrict iodine intake (not a priority intervention)

Answer

Administer beta-blockers (while important, it is not a nursing intervention)

Answer

Encourage weight gain (not a priority intervention)

Question 32

In the treatment of hypothyroidism, what is the first choice drug?

Accepted Answer

Levothyroxine sodium

Answer

Propylthiouracil

Answer

Potassium iodide solution

Answer

Methimazole

Question 33

How does propylthiouracil primarily work?

Accepted Answer

Inhibits thyroid hormone synthesis

Answer

Blocks thyroid hormone receptors

Answer

Increases thyroid hormone release

Answer

Stimulates thyroid hormone production

Question 34

Methimazole can potentially cause which of the following adverse effects?

Accepted Answer

Agranulocytosis

Answer

Hyperthermia

Answer

Goiter

Answer

Bradycardia

Question 35

When treating thyroid storm, what is the main reason for using potassium iodide solution?

Accepted Answer

To inhibit thyroid hormone release

Answer

To block thyroid hormone receptors

Answer

To replace thyroid hormone

Answer

To promote thyroid hormone release

Question 36

Fatigue is a symptom commonly associated with which thyroid condition?

Accepted Answer

Hypothyroidism

Answer

Graves' disease

Answer

Hyperthyroidism

Answer

Thyroid storm

Question 37

Which of the following best describes the mechanism of action of levothyroxine?

Accepted Answer

Replaces deficient thyroid hormone, thereby inhibiting TSH release from the pituitary gland.

Answer

Increases the conversion of T4 to T3.

Answer

Inhibits the formation of thyroid hormone.

Question 38

Which of the following is a potential adverse effect associated with antithyroid drugs?

Accepted Answer

Agranulocytosis

Answer

Constipation

Answer

Hyperthyroidism

Answer

Weight loss

Question 39

When caring for a patient undergoing radioactive iodine therapy for thyroid cancer, which nursing intervention is crucial?

Accepted Answer

Implement radiation safety precautions, such as limiting contact and maintaining a safe distance from the patient for a period of 24-48 hours.

Answer

Administer antiemetics regularly.

Answer

Monitor the patient for signs of hyperthyroidism.

Answer

Encourage the patient to drink excessive amounts of fluids.

Question 40

To monitor the effectiveness of thyroid hormone replacement therapy, which laboratory test should be primarily used?

Accepted Answer

Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) level

Answer

Free thyroxine index (FTI)

Answer

Total triiodothyronine (T3) level

Answer

Total thyroxine (T4) level

Question 41

Before administering radioactive iodine therapy, what is the purpose of giving iodine solution to the patient?

Accepted Answer

To saturate the thyroid gland with iodine, reducing its uptake of radioactive iodine.

Answer

To increase the thyroid gland's sensitivity to radiation.

Answer

To prevent the development of hypothyroidism after therapy.

Question 42

During the assessment of a patient with hyperthyroidism, which clinical sign should the nurse prioritize?

Accepted Answer

Exophthalmos

Answer

Weight gain

Answer

Constipation

Answer

Bradycardia

Question 43

Propylthiouracil, an antithyroid drug, primarily acts by:

Accepted Answer

Inhibiting the synthesis of thyroid hormones.

Answer

Blocking the absorption of iodine.

Answer

Promoting the release of TSH from the pituitary gland.

Answer

Enhancing the conversion of T4 to T3.

Question 44

A patient with hypothyroidism is prescribed levothyroxine (Synthroid). What is the primary mechanism of action of this medication?

Accepted Answer

Replaces deficient thyroid hormone

Answer

Blocks the conversion of T4 to T3

Answer

Inhibits thyroid hormone synthesis

Answer

Stimulates thyroid hormone production

Question 45

A patient with hyperthyroidism is receiving treatment with methimazole (Tapazole). Which of the following nursing interventions is essential when administering this medication?

Accepted Answer

Monitor for signs and symptoms of agranulocytosis, such as fever, sore throat, and fatigue.

Answer

Ensure the patient is taking the medication on an empty stomach.

Answer

Administer the medication with food to minimize gastrointestinal upset.

Answer

Encourage the patient to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.

Question 46

A patient with Graves' disease is being prepared for radioactive iodine therapy. Which of the following instructions should the nurse provide to the patient before the procedure?

Accepted Answer

Avoid close contact with pregnant women and young children for a period of time after the treatment, as it involves radiation exposure.

Answer

Stop taking all medications 1 week before the procedure.

Answer

Limit fluid intake for 24 hours before the procedure.

Question 47

A patient with hyperthyroidism is experiencing symptoms of tachycardia, anxiety, and weight loss. Which of the following drugs is most likely to be prescribed to manage these symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Propranolol (Inderal)

Answer

Radioactive iodine

Answer

Levothyroxine (Synthroid)

Answer

Methimazole (Tapazole)

Question 48

A patient with hypothyroidism is being treated with levothyroxine. What is the most important nursing instruction to provide regarding the administration of this medication?

Accepted Answer

Take the medication on an empty stomach, usually in the morning.

Answer

Crush the tablet before administering it.

Answer

Take the medication with food to minimize gastrointestinal upset.

Question 49

A patient with hyperthyroidism is receiving treatment with radioactive iodine. What is the primary goal of this therapy?

Accepted Answer

Destroy overactive thyroid tissue

Answer

Stimulate thyroid hormone production

Answer

Block the conversion of T4 to T3

Answer

Replace thyroid hormone deficiency

Question 50

A patient with hypothyroidism is reporting fatigue, constipation, and cold intolerance. Which of the following nursing interventions is most appropriate to address these symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Encourage regular physical activity and a balanced diet to improve energy levels, gastrointestinal function, and body temperature regulation.

Answer

Restrict dietary fiber intake to prevent constipation.

Answer

Administer diuretics to reduce fluid retention.

Question 51

A patient with hypothyroidism is taking levothyroxine. Which of the following statements made by the patient indicates a need for further teaching?

Accepted Answer

I can stop taking the medication when I feel better.

Answer

I will take the medication on an empty stomach in the morning.

Answer

I will notify my doctor if I experience any new symptoms.